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McLaren W1 First Drive: Ferocious Hypercar Transcends the Track

You know things are getting serious when McLaren rolls-out the ‘1’ suffix. The origin story is, of course, the very first road car McLaren ever built, the F1. Designed by visionary Formula 1 aerodynamicist and engineer Gordon Murray, it arrived in 1992 and rendered all other supercars obsolete. The tiny, lightweight F1 embraced carbon-fibre material technology, adopted a radical centre seat driving position with two passengers set back and either side and was powered by a 6.1-litre V12 engine from BMW that might as well have been passed down directly from the Gods. Game-changer? That doesn’t even come close to describing its impact, even if at the time sales didn’t come easy… The P1 was very different. Rather than a unique side project from the Formula 1 team, it was instead a statement piece for McLaren Automotive, a new road car division still in its infancy. It arrived in 2013 and was a wild-eyed showstopper. It traded the long-legged gait and supple suspension of the F1 for a weaponized hybrid system capable of delivering 903bhp and huge blue flames from its drainpipe exhaust. In Race mode, it lowered by 2-inches and its massive concave rear wing extended into the sky. The P1 was all about aerodynamic downforce, crazed acceleration and a snorting, angry soundtrack that mixed venomous twin-turbocharged V8 with the manic whirr of electric motors. Not so much a car as a force of nature. And now there’s this: The W1. It’s a true successor to the P1 with a similar brief and, on the face of it, it evolves rather than radically reinvents McLaren’s vision for the ultimate hypercar. This is not a criticism. How could it be when the result is this dramatic and has such staggering, other-worldly potential? The W1 has 1258bhp delivered to the rear wheels. It’s capable of 0-124 mph in 5.8-seconds, the quarter mile in 9.6-seconds at 167 mph and produces 2205lbs of downforce at 174 mph. The active aerodynamics – particularly a rear wing that extends way out beyond the rear of the car – are pure performance art and deliver massive aerodynamic efficiency. The result, aside from looking extremely cool, is that the W1 is McLaren’s fastest road car around a racetrack. Ever. Their benchmark circuit is the breath-taking Handling Track at the Nardo proving ground in southern Italy, where the W1 beats their previous benchmark, the flyweight McLaren Senna, by three seconds per lap. Or “a lifetime” as they call it in racing. Maybe two lifetimes! Core to the W1’s performance is the new ‘Aerocell’ carbon fibre tub. With integrated seats and a raised footwell to allow for inboard pushrod-operated front suspension – which in turn gives air a clean path to the huge underbody diffuser – it’s light, stiff, space efficient and has been instrumental in McLaren realising a full ground-effect concept. Just like last year’s F1 cars, which were the fastest ever made. There is also an active front wing and the aforementioned complex rear wing dubbed ‘Active Long Tail’. All of which is very admirable. But the ‘anhedral’ or gullwing doors and the fantastically shirnked-wrapped feel to the minimalist, highly-focussed interior are a pretty good side effect. The W1 feels special. Those fixed seats are perhaps a shade more upright than expected, and the driving position is less obviously racecar than, for example, the Aston Martin Valhalla or Ferrari F80. However, once you’ve adjusted the pedals (they move on a slider) and the delicate, slim-rimmed and alcantara-trimmed steering wheel, there’s an overwhelming sense of purpose. The cabin is so tightly tailored and imparts a sense of lightness and agility before you so much as start the all-new 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8 engine, which makes 916bhp all on its own and revs to 9200rpm. Reach up to a roof-mounted control panel to find the starter button. Maybe this fighter plane trope is a little corny, but somehow you feel thrilled rather than manipulated. The W1 has a sense of humour as well as all that motorsport-derived sophistication. There’s a short delay, but when the engine does fire it’s instant – as the high-powered hybrid system negates the need for an old-school starter motor. A sharp flare of revs tells you that this engine is hyper-responsive and angry. On some deep level your brain and body have been sent all the signals required to prepare for something new and intense. Ahead of us, an empty Mugello racetrack, so press and hold the blue button next to the red starter to select Race mode. The centre display graphic shows the W1’s transformation in real time as it lowers by 37mm at the front and 17mm at the rear whilst simultaneously undocking all that active aero goodness. Race mode is not road legal and is geo-locked. You can show your friends and neighbours the aero dance, but it won’t allow you to select a gear to actually drive unless you’re at a circuit. Incidentally, the rocker switches either side of the display binnacle allow further options now: Toggle up the Handling control on the left for Race+ (for F1-spec super smooth tracks) or stick to Race for gnarlier ones. On the right toggle select ‘GP’ for sustained performance over a stint or ‘Sprint’ to unleash all 1258bhp for a time attack. There’s also a DRS and Boost function on the steering wheel. But I guarantee you won’t have the mental capacity to use them… Exit the pitlane, pin the throttle and W1 takes maybe a millisecond or two to gather its might (the gearing stretches to around 60mph in first, nearly 100mph in second, primarily to aid traction), but then lunges at the first turn with incredible ferocity. It instantly feels light, almost like inertia is no longer a thing. McLaren really does prize lightweight engineering, and at 3084lbs (dry) the W1 has a 278lbs advantage over the Ferrari F80. Plus, Ferrari uses figures for cars fitted with every single carbon fibre option. In reality, the gap is probably wider still. The impression of agility and stunning control continues as the track is unravelled at startling pace. The electric motor mounted to the side of the new 8-speed dual-clutch transmission is good for 342bhp and 324lb ft and it boosts any low rev lethargy the new flat-plane crank V8 might have (spoiler alert: It doesn’t appear to have any), so the W1 just feels massively, almost impossibly powerful at any revs. Even so, there’s real reward for wringing it out to 9200rpm and the power curve feels superheated but organic, too. In Race mode the steering – still hydraulically powered – has less assistance and it is noticeably heavier than other McLarens. However, that resistance is welcome as it gives you something to push against and imparts so much information about the front grip level. New Pirelli Trofeo RS tyres with a bigger front footprint than P1 or Senna really help. The front-end feels incredibly secure and the rear-axle follows with perfectly-aligned precision. The whole car feels super-stiff, completely locked into the surface and inspires confidence, but there’s an inherent agility and adjustability that means you’re quickly confident to push at its limits and really impose yourself on the chassis. It’s such a complex car but the driving experience is intuitive, and the driver feels a key contributor rather than just amazed (or terrified) observer, holding on for dear life. Every dynamic ingredient really is shockingly effective and yet has a subtlety and lightness of touch. From that delicious steering to the incredible brakes, the W1 just feels so mission-focussed, so hooked-up. Only the new 8-speed gearbox is a slightly disappointment. It’s fast and punchy, but after the scintillating energy of the Ferrari F80 ’box it feels competent rather than inspired. Other quibbles – it’s okay to quibble when the starting price is $2.1-million before tax and destination charge. Well, that new twin-turbocharged V8 sounds tightly wound and aggressive but if you have a P1 tucked in the garage you’ll miss the snorting, Darth Vader-style soundscape and all the drama that goes with it. Ferrari does this better, too. The F80 sounds deathly dull from the outside but is a riot of turbochargers, electric motors and all sorts of mechanical fury within the cockpit. Even so, the W1 is wildly entertaining on track, and the rear-drive configuration makes it more of a challenge and more satisfying than the F80 when chasing lap times or just sliding around for fun. In the Ferrari, you must second-guess what the front e-axle might do, whereas in the W1 it’s all on you. There are plenty of tools to help, including the ingenious Variable Drift Control, but somehow the W1 is more heroic. Or at least fools you into feeling more heroic – which is surely the point! On the road? Nimble, loaded with feel and sublime response. The ride is noticeably tougher than, say, a 750S but the control is ramped-up too, and with a bit more speed the whole car finds a delicious rhythm. Sport mode for the drivetrain brings some nice turbo whooshes and chirps, but the noise remains high-quality rather than extreme excitement. It is perhaps the one area the W1 feels just a little too tame. Of course, there’s nothing tame about the raw performance… which is genuinely shocking and literally hurts your neck muscles after a few hours. How McLaren has given the W1 such immense traction through just two driven wheels is beyond me. So, is it worthy of that ‘1’? I think so. Perhaps we won’t be talking about $25-million auction results for the W1 in 30 years from now, as we are for the F1. Perhaps it doesn’t quite have the amazing presence and jaw-dropping star quality of the simply gorgeous P1. But it is such an intense experience and the way it marries stunning track performance with delicate poise and entertainment on normal roads is something akin to magic. Maybe not ‘the one’ but definitely a searing, outrageous addition to McLaren’s fiercest family line. Just 399 W1’s will be built and they’re all sold. I’m not surprised at all. View All McLarens For Sale Images: McLaren Automotive

By Jordan Aquistapace – September 21, 2020

The Lamborghini Store Hosts Huge Summer Sale

The Lamborghini web store is putting on a summer sale featuring styles that cover from head to toe, as well as a selection of accessories. Whether someone is trying to match their Aventador SVJ or looking comfortable options to support the brand, there is something for everyone to enjoy. Lamborghini’s clothing line reflects how their automobiles are constructed, using premium quality materials in an array of color options. The company also bases the clothing style designs off the intended use. Some pieces are more comfort-driven such as the Urus, where others are more inspired for a performance like the Huracan Evo. Color options that mirror Lamborghini paint codes and liveries are presented throughout the collection. Footwear is included in the summer sale event, all sporting the Lamborghini logo in both men and kids sizing available. For the track days, Lamborghini has it covered with a selection of accessories such as backpacks and hats. The summer sale is currently available through the Lamborghini Store website. Shop the summer sale collection by clicking the link below. Shop The Summer Sale

By Edward Jones – September 16, 2020

Build This Lamborghini Huracan EVO 3D Jigsaw Puzzle

Building a car is nowhere close to being an easy task. That is a statement that just about everyone can agree with. However, building a 3D puzzle of a car is much easier. So while you may not be able to build a real-life Lamborghini Huracan EVO in your garage, you can build a 3D puzzle of the supercar in your living room thanks to a new release from Ravensburger. This new release features 108 plastic pieces plus 32 accessories, like axles, rotating wheels front splinter, rear diffuser and more. It's a 1:18 scale puzzle measuring in at 10.2-inches. The price of this puzzle is set at EUR €34.99, which is around $40 USD. Expect it to be on Ravensburger site soon. You can shop the rest of their incredible 3D puzzles by clicking the button below. Shop 3D Puzzle

By Edward Jones – September 09, 2020

New Lamborghini Edition Bike Announced by Cervélo

Cervélo has just announced the new R5 Automobili Lamborghini Edition, a very limited street bike that would fit perfectly in a garage next to an Aventador SVJ. This new bike's livery was inspired by the Aventador SVJ that set a new Nurburgring Nordschleife record in 2018. Along with the livery, this bike includes Italian-made components that include a Campagnolo Super Record EPS mechanical assembly, Campagnolo Bora One wheels, Deda Elementi stem, Vittoria Corsa Pro tires and Fizik Aliante saddle. Only 63 examples of the Cervélo R5 Automobili Lamborghini Edition will be created, each with a retail price of $18,000. You can order one for yourself by visiting official resellers and dealers. Visit Cervelo.com

By Edward Jones – August 19, 2020

Add the New Lamborghini Sian Model To Your Collection

The Lamborghini Sian FKP 37 may be difficult to acquire, but this model sure isn't. For sale now on the Lamborghini's online store is a beautiful 1:43 scale model of the Sian FKP 37. made by Looksmart. To create the model, Looksmart teamed up with Centro Stile Lamborghini to ensure that no detail was overlooked. From the carbon fiber trim, to the dashboard, this is as authentic as a little Lamborghini can get. What's more, it's finished in the same GEA green found on the example unveiled at the 2019 Frankfurt Motor show. You can purchase it now for $202. Click the button below to see shop now. Shop Now

By Edward Jones – August 17, 2020

New Lamborghini Edition Go Kart Announced

If there's one thing that all automotive enthusiasts, and just about everyone else, can agree on it's that go karting is way too much fun. If you're one of the many that goes to the track for league nights or just free races, like our own @racecardyl, you know that go karting is addictive and if you could do it every day, you would. Well, for Lamborghini fans, Xiaomi has just announced just the thing for you. The new Ninebot GoKart Pro Lamborghini Edition is a stylish and intuitive way to race around your neighborhood in a go kart. This special edition go kart actually consists of a Segway Ninebot S connected to a special kit that converts the two-wheel's transporter into a go kart. Making this Lamborghini Edition more special is the new livery, rear spoiler, custom tires and more. We haven't found a way to purchase this edition in the United States as it looks to only be available in China with a price tag of 9,999 Chinese Yuan, which equates to just under $1,500 USD. However, the Ninebot Gokart kit is currently for sale now at $849.99. You can see it by clicking the button below. Shop Now Source: Xiaomi/Facebook

By Steve Chapman Jr – July 15, 2020

Lamborghini Teams Up With 24Bottles For A Special Edition...

Lamborghini and 24Bottles have teamed up for a collaboration that makes sense considering both brands are born and based out of Italy's Bologna region. The result of this collab is the new 24Bottles for Automobili Lamborghini Clima Bottle. This double-walled, 18/8 stainless steel bottle can keep drinks hot for up to 12 hours and cold for up to 24 hours. What's even cooler, or hotter, is the design that is found on this new bottle. Because the design is manually applied, each bottle is unique and original. And that's not all. The design picked for the bottle was actually inspired by the Lamborghini Aventador SVJ that broke the production track record at Nurburgring Nordschleife. You can pick up a bottle for yourself through the 24Bottles website by clicking the button below. Each bottle comes with a 39.00€ pricetag. Shop Now

By Edward Jones – July 10, 2020

Lamborghini Artifacts Being Auctioned Off

Every car collector has space on the walls for interesting and rare automobilia. Why? Because it not only enhances the overall look of their collection but these pieces can be worth a good amount of money. For Lamborghini collectors, we have great news for you as Mecum Auction is auctioning off a long list of rare Lamborghini artifacts as part of The John Atzbach Collection. Below are a few of the amazing lots up for auction. To see the entire collection, be sure to click here. 1990s-2000s Lamborghini Factory Issued Dealership Sign Small-sized (28x31.5x7) Lamborghini Factory issued sign made exclusively for authorized dealerships. View Lot 1960s-70's Lamborghini Authorized Dealer Cloth Banner This banner was made in Italy exclusively for dealership. View Lot 1970s-1980s Lamborghini Mechanic Overalls Authentic Lamborghini Engineering official factory overalls. View Lot Lamborghini Factory Dealership Sign The original backlit Lamborghini Factory sign mounted in front of a dealership. View Lot Lamborghini Miura Radio Lamborghini Miura radio in 1:12 scale made by Wegatoys. View Lot

By Edward Jones – July 09, 2020

Lamborghini Sián FKP 37 LEGO Technic Set For Sale

If you're still waiting on adding the new Lamborghini Sian to your garage, why not add one to your desk. For sale right now is the Lamborghini Sian FKP 37 LEGO Technic set. This 1:8 scale set consists of 3,696 pieces that are meticulously combined to create a stunning model that would look great on any desk, shelf, or even in a garage next to the real thing. What's more this model comes with a brilliant replica of the V12 engine, as well as a moveable rear wing. I'm not suggesting you build a tiny wind tunnel and put this model in it, but that would be pretty cool. Other interesting additions include the fully-functioning eight-speed sequential gearbox, moveable paddle shifter, replica Lamborghini overnight bag and front/rear suspension. It can be purchased now from LEGO.com for $379.99. Click the button below to learn more. Shop on LEGO.com

By Edward Jones – May 06, 2020

Lamborghini Teases LEGO Technic Sian Set

Back in January of this year, Lamborghini teased us with the announced that a new, big LEGO set based on one of their cars is coming. Now, Lamborghini has given us yet another teaser, via Facebook, of this set and it looks like its going to be of their new Sian. You can view this teaser down below. The hybrid-powered Sian is set to be the most powerful Lamborghini ever produced. While this LEGO set won't be powered, it is promised to be rather large. When Lamborghini and LEGO announced their new partnership, they noted that it would start with a new 1:8 scale set that would be coming this summer. Could this Sian be it? More than likely, but we will have to wait to find out! In the meantime, check out LEGO's online shop for the rest of their awesome automotive sets. Shop LEGO Car Sets https://www.facebook.com/watch/?ref=external&v=547510579517627

By Dylan Orluck – March 31, 2020

Automobili Lamborghini | Supreme Collection Announced

Every so often, two major brands from different industries will put their heads together and collaborate. Some make more sense than others, while some seem to check all the boxes. Automotive powerhouse, Automobili Lamborghini has teamed with the guys over at Supreme to come up with some incredible pieces, you’re not going to want to miss out on. Lamborghini is known for creating some incredible cars with paint schemes that stand out. Supreme was able to translate that into every article of clothing in this week's drop. From T-shirts to Jumpsuits, Hoodies and Jerseys, the Lamborghini | Supreme collab has you covered. These Items will Launch April 2nd.Be sure to check back in with us and let us know if you got anything. Shop Supreme Now Image Source: SupremeNewYork.com

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